They both hit the ground with a thud, although Coleman got the worst of it, breaking her fall in the process. Her elbow jarred as it hit a rock. Thank goodness it wasn’t my head.
“What did you do that for, you stupid woman? You could have killed the both of us.”
Laura didn’t answer but pretended to have lost consciousness. She hoped it would make her heavier to carry as Coleman struggled to get back on his feet. Praying valiantly, she fell over a few times, pulling him back to the ground as they tried to find their footing. At some point during their struggles, her gag fell loose, allowing her to spit it out. Breathing heavily, she allowed herself time to enjoy the freedom from the smelly gag.
“Enough. I’m getting tired of your games. I will put an end to this right now.”
She heard the click as he pulled the hammer back.
“Go on. You might as well kill me. I’ll never do what you want. Never,” she screamed at him, her voice echoing through the mountains.
“Boss, shut her up. They’ll hear us miles away.”
Laura kept screaming despite the gun waving in her face. I don’t care anymore. Paul isn’t coming. There’s no way out. I’ve had enough.
Chapter 39
Little Beaver stopped as they all heard the screams.
“Laura. That’s Laura.”
Before Paul could shout, Little Beaver put his hand over his mouth.
“They do not know we are here. Do not lose the element of surprise. Keep quiet. Miss Laura’s alive. We are close.”
Paul fought hard against his desire to scream back, telling Laura they were close. He knew Little Beaver was right. If Coleman and his gang thought they were cornered, it would make them more dangerous. Like a wounded grizzly.
So he sat and waited for Little Beaver to scout ahead. He came back within a matter of minutes, although it seemed to take hours.
“What took you so long?” Paul knew he was being testy, but waiting was killing him. His mind kept going to where it shouldn’t. Imagining Laura suffering.
Little Beaver shrugged his shoulders. He waited for the sheriff to join them. “There are four men. One has a gun pointed at Miss Laura. She seems to have upset him.”
Paul went to move, but Little Beaver restrained him.
“We cannot go rushing in. There is no way to protect Miss Laura. We have to plan this better. We need to tell Miss Laura we are close.”
“How do you plan on doing that, son? It’s not like we can just call out to her and pray Coleman’s lot don’t hear us.”
“I can signal to Miss Laura. We practiced it at school.”
“Didn’t you just learn math and English? I didn’t do any of this when I was at school.” The sheriff pulled at his whiskers. “I don’t have any better ideas. Do you, Paul?”
Paul shook his head. He couldn’t get his tongue off the top of his mouth. Laura was so close, yet she might as well be in Boston. He wanted to race to her rescue.
“You must think with your head and not your heart, Mr. Kelley.” Little Beaver’s look surprised Paul. It seemed the boy understood more than he let on.
“What do we do?”
“You wait. I will signal to Miss Laura. Hopefully she will move away from the men. I will move to her side as soon as I can. Then you will attack.”
“How will we know when you are ready for us, son?” The sheriff asked.
“This is your signal.”
Little Beaver mimicked the sound of an owl so well, Paul found himself looking up to the sky before realizing the stupidity of his actions. The boy was clever. And he was gone.
Chapter 40
Laura stared down the gun barrel. She bit back her panic. She didn’t want to die, but this was preferable to a future with Coleman. She waited for him to pull the trigger, but he seemed to be finding it hard to shoot a woman. She opened her mouth to antagonize him when she heard the bird call. It was the sound of a cuckoo. The signal that help was near. She forced herself to look directly at Coleman when every instinct was telling her to search the surrounding woods looking for Little Beaver.
“So are you going to shoot me? If you aren’t, I need to…” Laura gestured in the direction of some trees.
“Don’t push me, lady. If I didn’t have serious plans for you, you wouldn’t be still alive.”
“I’m sorry. Johnny was always telling me my temper was my downfall. I’ll try and behave, but I really need to go.” Laura despised the weak little girl’s voice, but she’d try anything to get away. He continued to stare at her. She couldn’t make out what he was thinking. “Please. I really am desperate.”
“Go over there. Not too far and don’t try anything funny. I’ve had enough of you. There are plenty of other pretty girls out there.”
Go find one of them then. Laura didn’t reply but half walked, half crawled toward the clump of trees he had pointed to. She moved behind one, hoping he would think she was looking for privacy. She waited, but not for long.
A hand came down over her mouth before she was picked up like a bag of potatoes and carried off. Her heart pounded despite recognizing Little Beaver’s scent.
As soon as he put her down, he cupped his hands together, making a loud owl sound. The sounds of guns exploded around them. Laura cowered in fear, even though the fight was behind them. Little Beaver used his knife to free her hands. Then, taking one hand in his, he pulled her along as he ran off. She followed as quickly as she could, but the combination of her long skirt and hours without proper food and drink slowed her down.
“Come on, Miss Laura. Mr. Kelley’s going out of his mind worrying about you.”
Paul was here. She picked up her skirts and ran faster, ignoring the push of her lungs. He was here.
“Laura, where are you?”
She heard his voice, but it seemed to be coming from behind them. They slowed as Little Beaver did his bird call whistle again. “Miss Laura, we’ll wait here. Hide just in case that man comes. I will track back to see.”
“No, don’t leave me alone. Please.”
“Miss Laura, you will be fine. It’s nearly over. Be brave a little while longer.”
She stood staring after him, but he looked back and motioned at her with his hands. She crouched down to hide. She strained her ears; the shooting seemed to have stopped, but she couldn’t hear anything. Was Paul okay? Please don’t let him have gotten hurt. Please, Dear Lord, don’t take him away from me.
“Laura, where are you? Come out. It’s safe. Coleman’s dead. His men are with the sheriff.”
Laura stood and stared as Paul ran toward her. He grabbed her into his arms, wrapping her into his embrace, his kisses raining down on her cheeks. His tears mixed with hers.
“Darling, I’m so sorry. I should have been there.”
“I’m sorry too. Is Emer okay?”
“Emer is fine. The doctor was seeing to her when we left. No doubt she’ll have a baby to show us when we get home.”
Laura stilled. Home. Did he still want her? After everything?
“What? Are you cold? Do you want my jacket? Shall I carry you?”
“Do you still want me as your wife? You know what type of man Coleman was. Why he wanted me?”
“I don’t give a cow’s behind what he wanted. You’re mine, Laura, my wife, and I don’t intend ever letting you forget that.”
She rose up on her tippy toes to land a kiss on his lips. “You promise?”
“Yes, Mrs. Kelley, I promise. Just as soon as we get home, I am going to show you just how much I love you.”
“Oh, Paul, I love you, too. With all my heart and mind.”
“That’s some mind you got, darling. Little Beaver showed me the trail you left for us. You are one cleaver lady.”
“Little Beaver.” With one last kiss, Laura moved away from Paul and walked toward where the Indian and sheriff were standing. “I owe you my life. “
“No, Miss Laura. You did most of the work. You made it easy for me.”
“You sh
owed me how to make a fire in the wilderness and what the Indians look for when tracking an animal. I just put what you showed me into practice.”
“Thank God you did. That Coleman was a nasty piece,” Sheriff replied.
Paul came up behind Laura, putting his arm around her waist, drawing her close.
“He killed one of his own men right in front of me. Didn’t even think twice about it.” Laura shuddered, causing Paul to pull her closer.
“Yes, we know. Thanks to him, we hit your trail.” The sheriff turned to Little Beaver. “Come on, son. You can teach this old dog some of your tricks. Let’s leave the love birds to it.”
Paul and Laura watched the old sheriff and the young Indian boy walk away. Paul pulled Laura closer to him, kissing her thoroughly.
“Laura, don’t ever leave me again. I don’t think I could handle life without you.”
“I’m not going anywhere. Not without you. Take me home, husband.”
Epilogue
One month later
“It’s true then. You are alive.”
Laura flinched at the woman’s tone.
“Ma. I told you before. Leave my wife alone.” Paul stood closer to Laura, holding her hand tightly in his. She squeezed his hand in thanks.
“You’re not coming back to teach school. You are not a good influence on the children. They deserve better than a…”
“Mrs. Shaw.” Reverend Timmons spoke sharply, causing the woman to flush. “Mrs. Kelley, Laura, I speak for the entire town when I say we are delighted you have agreed to come back to teach school. We hope you have recovered from your ordeal.”
“Thank you, Reverend. I feel much stronger now. I am more than ready to come back to work next Monday.”
“Thank God. I was worried when Katie Sullivan told me her sister had decided to stay in Boulder. I had visions of having to teach school the whole time. I have to say, teaching doesn’t come naturally to me. The children can be quite a handful at times, but dealing with some of the parents has really tested my patience.”
Laura and Paul laughed as the Reverend rolled his eyes.
“Reverend, I object.” Mrs. Shaw puffed out her considerable chest as she spoke.
“Oh, please do not worry, Mrs. Shaw. You weren’t the only parent I found difficult to please. Now, if you will excuse me. Mrs. Timmons and I are going on a picnic. Perhaps you would like to accompany us?”
He directed the question to Laura.
“We would love to, Reverend, but I have things to get in the store. I want to make sure Katie isn’t too upset about Ellen’s decision. Thank you for the invitation. Enjoy your afternoon.”
The Reverend tipped his hat before walking off in the direction of his home.
“Come on, Mrs. Kelley, let’s go see the sheriff. Good afternoon Ma, Mrs. Shaw.”
Laura had to hold her breath not to laugh at the expression on their faces.
“Paul, your mother is never going to accept me.”
Paul stopped walking to take his wife in his arms. “Paul, stop it. We are in the middle of town.”
“I don’t care where we are. I love you, Mrs. Kelley, and if Ma can’t see that, she can go swim in the creek.” Laura smiled at that image. Paul brought his face so close to hers, his forehead was leaning against hers; she struggled to breathe. “I nearly lost you, Laura. I am not afraid to admit it. I thought I would never see you again.”
“Are you two lovebirds coming inside, or do I have to arrest you for public disorder?”
“Ah Sheriff, can’t a man kiss his wife?” Paul joked as they walked into the jailhouse.
“You keep the kissing business to your home, where it belongs. Now. Sit down. I have something serious to tell you.”
Laura’s heart sank. Coleman was dead. There couldn’t be any more trouble coming for her, could there?
She reached for Paul’s hand as they both took the seats indicated by the sheriff. He sat opposite playing with his whiskers as he chewed his tobacco.
“Mary told us you wanted to see us but she didn’t know why. Tell me Sheriff, please.”
“I said it was serious, Miss Laura; I didn’t say it was bad news.” He smiled, showing his yellow stained teeth.
Laura glanced at Paul but her husband was staring at the sheriff.
“Little Beaver did a mighty fine job of tracking you, Miss Laura. I don’t mind admitting we could have lost you if it weren’t for that boy.”
“Yes, Sheriff. We are both very grateful to Little Beaver.”
This time, Paul looked at Laura. She could see her confusion mirrored in his eyes. What was the sheriff trying to say?
“The lessons he gave your students also helped a lot. Wouldn’t you agree?”
“Yes Sherrif.” Laura leaned forward. “I intend to spend more time teaching the children basic survival skills. Little Beaver has said he would be delighted to help.”
“Yes, well that may cause me a slight problem.” The sheriff coughed before rolling his tobacco chew to the other side of his mouth. Laura glanced at the spitoon, wondering why he didn’t use it. Perhaps he is trying to treat me like a lady.
“I went out to speak to Frank and Nandita. They are as close to guardians as Little Beaver has. They agreed, with some persuasive talking on my part, to allow Little Beaver to come work for me.”
Laura sat back in her chair. Paul looked as stunned as she felt.
“That’s a wonderful idea, but isn’t he a bit young?” Laura asked.
“Well, I’m hoping you orphans are done with keeping this old sheriff busy,” the sheriff smiled. “I will train Little Beaver on the law and, in turn, he will train me how to track.”
“I think that’s the best idea I’ve heard in ages, but won’t some of the townsfolk be upset?” Paul commented.
“You leave me to worry about the townsfolk. Now, there is something else. It’s a little delicate. It involves Miss Laura’s past.”
Laura’s heart beat faster. She waited in silence, aware of her husband looking at her in concern.
“Seems there was a certain amount of gold in your dead husband’s safe. The police have closed their investigation into his death.” He looked at Laura, but she couldn’t respond. “This means your dead husband’s personal effects have been released.”
Laura stood up so quickly the chair she had been sitting on fell over. “I don’t want anything to do with him. Tell them to give it to someone else.”
“You might not want to be so hasty.” The sheriff picked up some papers, handing them to her. She crossed her arms, not wanting to touch anything linked to Johnny. Paul stood up to take the papers. He gave them a quick read before he sat down quickly.
“Two hundred dollars.”
“The gold and other cash in the safe was a little more, but some costs had to be covered. Burial and such.”
“I don’t care how much it is. I don’t want any of it. That’s blood money.”
“I see this has been a shock. Perhaps you should take Miss Laura home. You don’t have to make a decision today.”
Paul shook the sheriff’s hand before wrapping his arm around her waist. She was grateful, as her legs seemed to be walking through mud. She opened her mouth to say something to the sheriff, but the words wouldn’t come.
“Come on, Laura, let’s go home.”
* * *
The ride home passed in silence. Why does he have to come back and ruin things? He’s dead and he’s still trying to control me. She glanced at Paul a few times but the look on his face stopped her from speaking. He looked disgusted. Was he sorry she’d been rescued? It would have been better for everyone if Coleman had killed her.
They pulled up outside their little house. Laura was thankful nobody saw them. She jumped down from the wagon, ignoring Paul’s attempt to help her. She couldn’t deal with anything other than the images in her head now. She wasn’t taking the money. It was tainted and would only bring bad luck.
* * *
Paul took his time see
ing to the horses. He hated seeing his wife so upset. She was only just recovering from the kidnapping ordeal, and now this. He wished the money had disappeared. Why did the Boston police have to contact the sheriff? Would Laura ever be able to leave her past where it belonged—the past?
He walked slowly into the house. She wasn’t in the kitchen. Pushing open the bedroom door, he saw her lying curled up in a ball on the bed. She was crying.
“Laura, darling. Don’t cry.”
“I’m so sorry. I know you are angry.”
“I’m furious, but not at you. Darling, you are not to blame. The police are only doing their job. The money belongs to you.”
“I don’t want it. It’s dirty. Do you hear me? That money came from the devil himself.” Laura was almost screaming. “He’s still controlling me. After all this time, he can still reach me.”
He pulled her into his arms, ignoring her halfhearted resistance. He hadn’t let Coleman or his ma keep them apart. He wasn’t going to let a ghost do it either.
“Laura, darling. I love you. Nobody controls you. You are free. You and I have a happy future ahead of us. Johnny and Coleman are dead. They don’t have the power to hurt us anymore. Not unless we let them. “
Laura stopped crying, angrily rubbing the tears from her eyes. “I am letting him in again.”
“You aren’t. You got a shock today. That’s all.”
“I don’t want his money.” Laura looked into his face, the look of horror in her eyes fading slightly. He pulled her closer, kissing her deeply.
“I love and respect you, Mrs. Kelley. Whatever decision you make, I will stand by your side.” She smiled tentatively. He kissed her again. “Don’t make any decision now. Think about this, Laura. Maybe you could use the money to do something good. To wipe out some of the harm Johnny and his friends inflicted on our world.”
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